Started off well. Then lost its way a bit for me. It ended up being a cross between a spiritual book and a self-help book. I would still recommend itStarted off well. Then lost its way a bit for me. It ended up being a cross between a spiritual book and a self-help book. I would still recommend it to others. ...more

A short book filled with wisdom. If I were to choose only one book on taking action to be present in the shelf, this would be the one. Highly recommenA short book filled with wisdom. If I were to choose only one book on taking action to be present in the shelf, this would be the one. Highly recommended. ...more

One of those rare books that happen to contain 'original' thoughts. Surely, having something original to say is also a black-swan event, these days? :One of those rare books that happen to contain 'original' thoughts. Surely, having something original to say is also a black-swan event, these days? :)

For statisticians out there: This book contains a scathing attack on Normal distribution. Well worth a read for that piece alone.

A classic. This is one of those books that all lay-people should read, lest they get sucked into all sort of traps laid by advertisers/salesmen/god meA classic. This is one of those books that all lay-people should read, lest they get sucked into all sort of traps laid by advertisers/salesmen/god men and the rest.

I applaud the courage of this author. One of those rare men who stands up to what he believes in.

One of the interesting beliefs of this tribe is thatI applaud the courage of this author. One of those rare men who stands up to what he believes in.

One of the interesting beliefs of this tribe is that they do not believe in anything unless one of the members of the tribe have seen such a thing occur in their own eyes. This is the primary reason why the author has trouble converting them to Christianity. And, we thought we were more 'civilized' than them! ...more

Surely, there must be another method to write non-fiction than using the 'anecdote-insight' style? Anyway, another book whose message could best be suSurely, there must be another method to write non-fiction than using the 'anecdote-insight' style? Anyway, another book whose message could best be summarized in a page. I guess we, readers, have to adapt to such books and also the style of writing. :)

gist: 'adapting is as important as every other step". I wonder about those companies that did adapt and still failed to survive, leave alone thrive. My main grouse against this 'cherry-picking' of data is that it falls prey to survivorship bias. ...more

This book contains several nuggets of wisdom which can be used by people trying to master a new skill. Many of the things mentioned in the book are weThis book contains several nuggets of wisdom which can be used by people trying to master a new skill. Many of the things mentioned in the book are well-known but the author has done a decent job compiling them here. ...more

One of the few 'real' journalists out there, with the courage to not toe the line of those in power. This book proves that if the fourth estate is notOne of the few 'real' journalists out there, with the courage to not toe the line of those in power. This book proves that if the fourth estate is not active, or if it becomes the part of government propaganda, many lives would be lost.

As a non-american, I was personally appalled at the coverage of American news agencies during the Iraq war. I am happy to see that there are people in the US media who care for non-partisan news. I was particularly happy to see her analysis of Henry Kissinger as a war-criminal.

Speaking from an Indian perspective (my country), I can see that most of the things that are applicable to US news agencies are also applicable to Indian ones, where the media, in many cases, is owned by the politicians themselves. A very disturbing trend. ...more

I started reading this book with a bit of trepidation-I am afraid of thousand page tomes. After completing this novel, I am not surprised at the wideI started reading this book with a bit of trepidation-I am afraid of thousand page tomes. After completing this novel, I am not surprised at the wide acclaim of this book. Book has well etched characters, nice dialogues, and the story grows on you. ...more

Readers who are looking for a 'how to improve their memory' are better served if they look elsewhere. Joshua Foer, who is a talented writer, is chroniReaders who are looking for a 'how to improve their memory' are better served if they look elsewhere. Joshua Foer, who is a talented writer, is chronicling a year in his life where he goes on from being a journalist covering this memory competition to winning it the next year. Book has its own dose of eccentric characters. Quite a good read, imo. ...more